Wuffa are.....

Little is known of the legendary Bjorn Grim before the rise of the Great Heathen Army. The man himself mentions little of his past, but hushed whispers around the campfires tell of a child who's entire village was slaughtered by an old warlord and that the child was forced to flee into the forest where he was raised by a pack of wolves. If this is true then it is of no surprise that Bjorn is of a serious and unforgiving nature.A large man with an intimidating appearance and a voice of thunder that regularly makes children cry, Bjorn rules with an iron fist to bring order in a world of chaos. The intense passion and fury he brings to battle are said to transform him into an unstoppable force, able to single handedly shatter enemy shield walls with the strength of a bear.Fueled by his unlimited ambition to unite all of England under his rule, Bjorn Grim refuses to settle on his own warriors and uses his fortune made from the previous Viking campaign to expand his band of mercenary's into a small army, gathering the best fighters the east has to offer. As his reputation grows, other Norse warriors also travel to England to join him. With these men and women behind him, the young Jarl now sets his gaze upon the rest of the country where his dream of unification will pit himself against other Viking warlords and vengeful Saxons, and perhaps one day, the world...

Hailing from the harsh lands of the Skaggerak Straits in what is now modern Norway, Drangrulf had always led a nomadic lifestyle. The unforgiving terrain of his homeland, a mountainous coast surrounded by rough seas and barren windswept hills, had molded the man into a toughened survivor. Yet with so little to live on, Drangrulf always dreamed of a life filled with golden riches, one where he would never know the pain of hunger again.One day, as fate would have it, he was discovered in the mountains by the famed warrior Eadweard the Wanderer. Eadweard told the Hillman about the Wuffa mercenary's that he had heard great things about on his recent travels and that he was headed to the plentiful lands of England to seek the warband out. Drangrulf knew this was the opportunity that he had been waiting for to make his dreams a reality and so set out with Eadweard to the East Angles of England.Upon becoming a Wuffa mercenary and serving under Bjorn Grim, it quickly became apparent that the Hillman had an explosive temper and he became known as the Dragon to the others in the warband. Never the less, Drangrulf's prowess on the battlefield was a major factor in solidifying Bjorn's hold on the east. Upon claiming this new territory, the now Jarl Bjorn Grim proclaimed Drangrulf to be one of his Huscarl's aswell as one of Wuffa's greatest warriors.The Dragons temper however had made him supremely violent, his anger leading him to disobey his Jarl on more than one occasion, Bjorn often having to put him back in his place by force. In recent months this has created a rift between the two and although Drangrulf now has enough wealth for a lifetime, he hungers for yet more power and Jarl Bjorn Grim keeps a keen eye upon the Dragon. Perhaps one day it will be Jarl Drangrulf who leads Wuffa...

Aldhelm the trader traveled from Birka (the first city of Sweden) with furs, walrus tusk and some say slaves to the richest city known at Constantinople (now Instanbul in Turkey) with mercenaries from Wuffa to protect his interests and brought back fine silk, jewels, silver and gold coins and spices that were unknown in the west. It is in the city of Constantinople that he became interested in the magic created by the Byzantium magicians, some say he fell under their spell...others say he learnt great dark magic, and it was this that made him wealthy as he used magic to bewitch other traders in selling their goods cheaply...whatever the truth, all must be wary of Aldhelm the Trader's magic.

Character Profile: Einar, the SpearBiterBorn: 853 ADHeight: 6FtPreferred Weapon: Sword and Shield​The son of a noble man, born in the central province of the Vestford plains in what is now modern Norway, Einar was taught to fight with the sword from a young age. With his family well off, he had very few responsibilities and as the boy grew, boredom began to take hold of him. Most of the time he liked to play tricks on the poorer folk to entertain himself.One day as Einar walked through a market, he noticed another boy, perhaps only a few years younger than himself, working hard on some leather item at one of the many stalls. It was late in the evening and most of the other people had packed up and already gone home. With so few people about, the boy was the perfect target for his next prank. As cocky as ever, he casually picked up the nearest stone to hand and threw it at the boy. The projectile hit the lad straight in the head and Einar was reduced to fits of laughter. As the boy stood up from his work stool however, Einar could see the anger in his eyes and before he knew it, the boy was charging straight at him with axe in hand. Not that Einar was worried of course... he was one of the best young swordsmen around and how could a commoner pose any threat to him? So with a smirk on his face, he drew his own blade. The pair fought for what seemed like hours, yet neither could find a weakness in there opponent and both eventually collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. As Einar lay there looking up at the darkening skies he began to laugh again at this new experience... perhaps for the first time he felt respect for another. He asked the boy his name and the grudging reply was Halvard.Einar was very fond of his new friend and over the next few years they spent more and more time together, much to the dismay of Halvards farther, Wulfgar, who saw Einar as a bad influence on his son. Eventually though, the boys swore an oath of brotherhood and that nothing would come between them.More years past by and again boredom began to grip Einer's heart. So he announced to Halvard that they would go forth on their own adventure, fighting for gold and women, after all they were both grown men now in Einar's eyes. Managing to persuade his now brother, they took to the seas and traveled far into the north east. There they lived, trained and fought with the Rus tribes and there own legends began to grow.Einar, ever charismatic and brash, would often be found on the front lines where the most glory was to be had, taking on anyone without fear, although sometimes this would get him into trouble. However his loyal brother Halvard was always there to save him when he was in over his head.In one particular battle it was said that Einar charged alone into a hundred enemy spearmen, yet none of his foes could find their mark on him as his sword sliced through the shaft of every spear that came his way. Upon seeing so many of their warriors cut down by this seemingly invincible man, the enemy turned and fled. After this battle the Rus tribes came to call Einar 'The Spear Biter'.One night in a tavern, while in his regular company of questionable women, Einar noticed that his brother had sat a few tables away with a man far older than either of them. After an hour or so the old man took his leave and Halvard came over, looking far more joyful than usual. When Einar asked him what had gone on his brother exclaimed that the old man knew of his father and had been told that Wulfgar was now in England with a group of mercenaries called Wuffa. Einar had always felt guilty about the way Halvard and Wulfgar had left things on their departure, it was not the most pleasant experience for his brother and unusually he felt at least partially responsible.And so their next chapter began, leaving the Rus tribes to travel west to the East Angles of England where Einar secretly hoped there would still be plenty of gold for the taking and women to charm. Now part of the Wuffarians and seeing that his brother was happy once again, Einar wondered what this new land held for him. Ironically, or perhaps it was fate, it would be the place where Einar would find the only woman to tame him, although tamed is a term used loosely. Einar can still be found on the front lines, now in the Wuffarian army, his beloved Danika and brother Halvard beside him, now with more reasons than ever to fight...

Character Profile: Danika, Wuffa Shield Maiden, Sister of Freyja and Protector of the High PriestessBorn: UnknownHeight: 5 Ft 1 inchesPreferred Weapon: Seax​Tale of the Lost

No one... not even High Priestess Runa herself knows of this girls past, or how she came to be on the isle of England. All that is known is that Runa discovered the young woman wandering aimlessly upon a beach on one of her travels. She would of left her where she was, but the priestess could sense a certain entwining fate about this strange girl and so instead of leaving her to the mercy of the elements, decided to take her with her for the rest of that journey. It was a long trip down the eastern coast of the isle and they spent many weeks together. Even with that amount of time however, Runa could not make sense of the girl. It was like she never existed before their meeting, for the girl had no memories, no name and carried no items that could tell her story and Runa could only ponder as to what this meant. Perhaps she was an omen sent by the gods, maybe an emissary of Freyja herself... at the very least she spoke the same language.As a High Priestess of Freyja, Runa took it upon herself to give her a new name of Danika and used her authority to teach this girl the ways of the sisterhood during their travel time. Upon reaching the end of their journey in the East Angles, Danika had become fiercely loyal to the Priestess, although maybe that was of no surprise as Runa was now the only person she had ever known. They met up with a group of survivors from the recent battle of Edington in 875 AD.After the rise of Bjorn Grim's army in 876, Danika spends many months training in combat with the great swordsman Einar under Runa's request and although not intended by the priestess... these two young warriors find a great love for each other. With Runa's now permanent residence here, Jarl Bjorn Grim makes Danika a shield maiden of Wuffa and she now acts as the right hand of the Priestess.In battle Daika is calm under pressure and displays a great balance in attack and defense, her quick movements and heavy shield ever ready to protect the woman who gave her a new life.Although her past is forever lost to the fogs of time for reasons that may never be understood, the path ahead is now clear to see and with Einar beside her, Danika can now move towards that future for the first time...

Character Profile: Wido, Master of the ForgeBorn: 818 ADHeight: 5 Ft 9 inchesPreferred Weapon: Dane AxeIn the far east, beyond the silk road, legend tells of a strange visitor who created the fighting style of the drunken master... to those in the west this ever joyful man was simply known as Wido.An independent blacksmith who created many fine weapons and armour, Wido traveled all across the northern hemisphere to trade his wares or sought out current wars where he could make plenty of coin from preforming battlefield repairs. The rest of his time was spent in taverns across the land where his prowess for drinking was legend. Never had he lost in contests of drink and it was often speculated that he was a descendant of Ageir, a Norse god who's pot of ale was said to never empty, for indeed it was a rare sight to see the famed blacksmith without one of his favorite drinking horns in hand.Never the less, Wido was still a great Norse warrior, his years working at the forge had given him great strength making him more than capable in a fight.Returning to his home in the Northlands after one of his many travels, Wido found out about the rise of a great Viking army that was to conquer the land of the Saxons. Ever one to take hold of an opportunity, he set out on this new venture in 865 AD.Wido spent the next ten years with the Great Heathen Army and in that time met many great warriors such as Bjorn Grim and Eadweard the Wanderer, men he would fight beside throughout the rest of the campaign until their defeat at the battle of Edington in 875. Bjorn Grim however, rally's many of the suvivors such as Wido and leads them back to the East Angles. It is here Bjorn decides not to flee back across the north sea, but instead stay and take the country of England for himself. He recruits many veterans from the campaign to his cause, including the blacksmith with whom he had now spent many years with.Wido indeed served Bjorn faithfully, whether in battle with his Dane axe held high or by supplying the warband with weapons and armour and after conquering most of the East Angles, the now Jarl Bjorn Grim bestows upon Wido the title of 'Master of the Forge'.Wido is still known for his love of mead, especially after a battle and can often be found at the campfires joyously regaling the other Wuffarians with music and ballads of days gone by...

Tale of a fatherCharacter Profile: Wulfgar, the Leather SmithBorn: 827 ADHeight: 5 Ft 9 inchesPreferred Weapon: Hand Axe​The frozen wastes of the north east was the birthplace of the man known as Wulfgar, born to the Rus tribes. His early life was a harsh existence where every passing year was a drawn out battle against the freezing cold until the short summers arrived. The Rus however were regarded as some of the toughest people of the known world and Wulfgar was no exception. As a young man he excelled at hunting and skinning which would eventually lead him into the profession of the Leather Smith, a good trade to be in within that frozen realm. However Wulfgar eventually decided to move to more productive lands in the west and resettled in the Vestford plains of what would now be modern Norway. Here he was born two sons, Thorrin and Halvard, and for many years he lived in peace watching his family grow.And that would be it for Wulfgar's story, just a normal life that any father would expect to have, yet it would seem that fate on the other hand had its own plans for his family, for in the years to come life would indeed hold many twists and turns...It started in the year 870 AD. five years into the Great Heathen Armies campaign to take the Isle of England from the Saxon kings. At this time many Vikings were sent back to the north lands to seek reinforcements and young talent for the Viking army and Wulfgar's village was no exception. They took his eldest son Thorrin back with them, picked out for his brilliant mind and strategic thinking, he would do well in the campaign, although his father begged him to stay, but the young cannot be controlled forever and Wulfgar reluctantly said farewell to his son for what he well knew could be the last time.Life continued onward however, times infinite march forever on the move. Two years after Thorrin's departure it would be Halvards turn to take his first steps into the world. He announced to his father that he was going to travel with his friend Einar to seek his own lot in life. Wulfgar, having already previously lost one son, was furious at the idea and one evening this lead to a colossal argument between the two. Although Halvard was now a young warrior in his own right, Wulfgar was not prepared to lose the rest of his family and forbid his son from leaving. However the next morning he found the door ajar, with Halvard no where to be seen.From that point Wulfgar spent months in thought, he couldn't understand where he had gone wrong. He had always done everything he could for his boys, they had a good life here, why would they want to leave? Then it hit him... the memory of himself leaving his own father so many years ago to end up in this very spot. Perhaps this was just the way of things? He pondered such thoughts for a time before deciding to join the great Viking army in England. He hadn't much to lose now anyway and there was always a chance he might find Thorrin alive there.He made it to the East Angles of England just after the armies defeat at Edington in 875. Here he found many survivors that had already begun to pack in hopes of returning to the north lands, yet none seemed to know of Thorrin, his sons fate remaining unknown. He stayed in a coastal camp for two weeks, constantly checking the stream of survivors that poured through, yet there was still no sign of Thorrin and Wulfgar finally gave up hope.Then one day, a wave of excitement went through the camp, there were whispers of the return of a great hero of the war. Wulfgar joined the others at the entrance gates and spied a large warrior at the head of a group of men, all were battered and bloody. Yet as they came closer, he saw one younger than the rest. Through the dirt and blood on the lads face he thought... yes! there was Thorrin! And for the first time in an age, Wulfgar had a smile upon his face.Finally reunited again, the two talked the entire evening away. Thorrin had described to his father the defeat they had suffered and how the great warrior Bjorn Grim had saved his life during the retreat.And so, after Bjorn had made his plans of conquest clear to those in the camp, Wulfgar was among the first to pledge his services, remarking that this was the only way he could repay the man who gave back to him his son. So for the next year Wulfgar and Thorrin stayed in the East Angles to help Bjorn Grim establish his territory, Wulfgar's leather working skills and Thorrin's academic mind going far to help in this cause. Then in late 876, more warriors arrive from the north lands to join Bjorn's ever growing army. It would be, to Wulfgar's surprise, that Halvard would be aboard one of these ships. Ironically it turned out Halvard had lived with the Rus tribes where Wulfgar was born for the past few years and had traveled all this way to England to find his father and fight for the Wuffarians.With his family reunited, Wulfgar could not help but ponder the strange ways in which fate worked, for when he thought all was lost, everything came back together... all three of them now stronger than ever and united in one single purpose in Wuffa. And they would indeed prove to be a force to be reckoned with, because after all, there is no stronger reason to fight than for family...

Eadweard has been involved in reenactment for many years and was a member of JomsViking who are one of the most famous and elite international Viking Reeenactment Groups and has taken part in combat throughout Europe and the USA .

Bones has been involved in reenactment for several years, a member previously of The Horde and Barbaricum and has taken part in events in reenactments of The Battle of Hastings, Battle of Malden and Yorvik Festivals.

Character Profile: Halvard, the HunterBorn: 855ADHeight: 6ft 1"Preferred Weapon: Long Spear​Son of Wulfgar, brother to Thorrin, the young warrior known as Halvard was one of the greatest heroes of his time. As a boy he would follow in his fathers footsteps, going on hunting trips in the forests surrounding his home in the Vestford plains or learning the craft of leather working at the family's market stall. In fact it would be at that very market where Halvard's true destiny would begin to shape itself in a fated meeting with another...It all happend one evening in late summer, the days trading had ended and the markets residents had already shut up and left for home, all except for Halvard, who had stayed behind at his fathers request. Working on a pair of shoes, he was just attaching the last toggles when he heard a shuffling from behind him. Instantly he knew he was being watched and turned around to face this interloper, only to feel an object strike him in the face. Pain blinded his sense as he fell to the ground and then the sound of laughter rang in his ears. Halvard staggered back to his feet, grabbed his fathers axe from the work table and charged forth out of anger. He would teach this stranger a lesson for mocking him...As his view came back into focus, Halvard noticed that his assailant was also a boy, similar in height and stature to himself, but unlike him wore fine clothes and had already unsheathed a sword. " SPOILT BRAT!" spat Halvard, for only the rich could afford such items.He clashed head on into his opponent, swinging his weapon as hard and as fast as he could, yet every blow was deflected and he had to constantly redouble his efforts to defend himself from the returning strikes. The two fought for what seemed like an eternity until finally, exhaustion claimed them both.Having discovered a respect for each other that can only be found through combat, the boy managed to introduce himself as Einar through gasping breathes. He took Halvard back to his home so they could rest and eat as an apology for his behaviour towards his new friend.When Halvard finally returned home that night he was met by an angry Wulfgar who demanded to know where he had been. Halvard explained to his father what had occurred at the market and of his new friend Einar and the rich slice of life he had experienced at that household. Wulfgar, clearly unimpressed, told his son to stay away from that boy, that he should concentrate on his family's needs. " Those nobles are not like us son." he remarked.In the coming months however, Halvard would ignore his fathers wishes, spending more and more time with Einar, who would often speak of adventure and grand battles that would guarantee them a place in the halls of Valhalla where they would feast and drink for all time.And with those thoughts planted in his mind, Halvard became less and less concerned with the family trade and hunting trips, dreaming the days away about the warrior he wished to be...Years later the pair of would be hero's finally made their decision to leave and make their own way in life. Both were now men in their own right and in their opinion ready to take on the known world. They planned to travel far to the North East and live with the Rus peoples that Halvard's father had often talked about as being the place of their ancestors and as the would be the only two they could trust on this journey, decided to swear an oath of brother hood, that they would always have each others backs. Now all Halvard had to do was explain this to Wulfgar...Thunderous storms churned the skies that night, yet still their argument could be heard across the village. Halvard argued his side, even pointing out that his brother Thorrin had left years earlier to fight the Saxons, but Wulfgar would have none of it. Halvard felt they were more akin to worst enemies than family and resorted to sneaking out in the darkness of the early hours.It was sunrise when he met Einar at the boat that would take them to their destination. As they set sail Einar could only display joy and excitement, Halvard much the opposite, a look of regret upon his face. He could only ponder as to whether he had made the right decision.Never the less, time moves on and as the years passed with the Rus, both Halvard and Einar started to become the warriors they desired to be so much, the constant training and warfare that the Rus tribes offered as a way of life molding them into toughened and supremely skilled fighters. Their exploits in these early battles could be told as an entire saga by itself and of Halvard, who was said to be an untouchable, wielding his spear like a storm cloud wields lightning. There were even tales describing him being able to deflect whole volleys of arrows. It was Halvard desire to seek out the strongest opponents on the field however that would give him his reputation. Defeating many champions and lords single handedly with his long spear, he earned the title of 'The Hunter' in one battle as an enemy officer shouted " I feel like a deer being chased by an arrow!" shortly before Halvard claimed his life...Despite this success however, Halvard would never seem to be happy. It was like he was always trying to make his father proud even thought he was never there to see what his son had achieved or perhaps to make up for the guilt of leaving Wulfgar behind, to prove to himself that he'd made the right decision.The gods work in mysterious and convoluted ways however and one cold winters night whilst the pair were seeking warmth and drink in a tavern, Halvard was approached by an older man, one who had the look of a scarred veteran about him. This man called himself Eadweard and gave news that Halvard's father and brother were in the East Angles of the Isle of England serving a new mighty warlord. He told of how the Saxon lands were now a fractured kingdom and that Bjorn Grim was to reunite that land under his own banner. Then as randomly as he had appeared, the man left, muttering something about the others he had to seek out. Einar was suspicious of what Halvard told him about the strange man saying it was just the ramblings of some drunkard, yet after seeing his brother face light up with hope decided to go anyway.Leaving the frozen wastes behind, they spent the next few months in a small fleet of longboats that was headed to the isle of the Saxons. On the way the got to know many other warriors who sought to join Bjorn Grims growing forces. The journey was one of freezing temperatures and rough seas with many would be Wuffarians never making it at all, but Halvard would not allow himself to become one of those unfortunates, he just had to make it to his family.Finally the North Sea relented and the green lands of England came into view and Halvard could see the coastal camp that was their final destination. Stepping of the boat, he suddenly felt a nervousness for the first time in many years, not knowing how his father would react to seeing him again. What if he didn't want to see him again? More thoughts surged through his mind as he and Einar walked up the cliff trail that led to the campsite. As the gates came into view Halvard saw his father and brother waiting to meet him and rushed towards them. It turned out his worries were unfounded, Wulfgar was overjoyed to see Halvard again, happy that his family had been reunited again and even thanked Einar for looking out for his son. Wulfgar immediately took them across the camp to the main tent. Here he proudly introduced both Halvard and Einar to the intimidating figure of Bjorn Grim, who after studying the pair for many moments and taking Wulfgar's words into consideration accepted both into his service and indeed Halvard would become one of Wuffa's greatest champions. Now he stalks the bloody battle fields of the East Angles and beyond, striking fear into the hearts on Bjorn's enemies, for they know that once 'The Hunter' has you in his sights, there will be no chance of escape..."Woe betide the quarry of the hunter, for never shall I escape eagle's eyes.Through snow and storm he shall seek me, as if on great wings he flies.No rest or hunger shall halt his march, only stopping to end my cries."Saxon poem of Halvard written after the battle of Stonham Aspal 876 Ad.

​A Norse man of the Rus who's descendants would become part of the Varangian Guard, Sigaard was a six year veteran fighting in the Great Heathen Army against the Saxon kingdom's. A sturdy and dependable warrior who exemplified discipline and was ideally suited to fighting in the front lines of the armys shield walls. It was at the campaigns final battle of Edington where things would change for this man. Sigaard took a crushing blow to the head, his limp body collapsing to the blood soaked ground. At the battles end, with the Vikings defeated, many such warriors were assumed to be slain and left to the crows.It was the next morning when Sigaard awoke, stirred by the early mist that had invaded his senses. As he sat up right he felt a severe pounding in his skull, as if Odin himself had punched him straight between the eyes. He undid the chin strap to his helmet, finding most of one side caved in by a single powerful blow. He however seemed to of escaped any major harm, the helm taking most of the impact,.. or so he thought. As he looked at his his surroundings he saw only the the dead lifeless body's of friend and foe alike and offerd a prayer of thanks to the gods who had surely been watching over him. And with that he headed away from that field of death, through the great forests to the east to seek out his surviving comrades.Sigaard walked for many weeks, but began to notice strange things as he travelled. Leaves would be strange colours, clouds in the sky would move as if they were alive and trees seemed to have contorted faces that would leer or mock him. Just the work of the trickster Loki he thought to himself.... Sigaard ignored these things and pressed onwards.At some point on this journey the warrior faced the greatest opponent of his life, or so he says, as he enterd a clearing one night. He spied a large greyish human like being with an enormous head. It must be a Troll thought Sigaard! He had never seen one before, but it couldn't be anything else. Truly the gods had blessed him with a chance to prove himself after his previous defeat. Without a moments thought Sigaard let loose his war cry and charged the looming creature. As the Troll slowly turned its head to face the human with a confused look upon its face, Sigaard brought his sword down in a wide arc that cleanly beheaded the beast. Victorious, he shouted praise to Odin and then tied the monsters head to his shield. This would surely cure any doubts his fellow vikings had in him, after all, if he could slay a troll this easily then who would dare challenge his might?After a few more weeks of travel, which may or may not of included arguing with Dwarves, which may or may not have been a couple of rocks, Sigaard finaly arrived at a camp on the east coast of the isle. Here he proudly enterd through the gates and demanded to speak to the leader of the settlement. He was taken to none other than Bjorn Grim and introduced himself as Sigaard, the Monster Slayer! And with that he untied the Trolls head and presented it to Bjorn, a gift in return for a place in the Wuffarian warband. Bjorn lifted the head aloft in one of his mighty hands and thought to himself how suspiciously this "Troll" looked like a goat... the man must be completely mad, but he was in need of warriors for his growing army and so accepted Sigaards gift and services.And Sigaard would go on to vanquish many horrifying creatures in the name of his new lord, or so he claims, including a ferocious great Wyrm (which may of been a rarther large worm). Never the less, he would still impress on the field of battle, his heavy sword 'Gouger' combined with his zealous nature and strong hallucinations making him a fearless and deadly opponent to Bjorns enemies. ..

I am Cunedda IcUlraig of the Dalriada people's. My mother was a pictish serving girl and my father a Dalriada Lord.Being born out of wed lock I was not permired to inherit my father's lands but claiming to love my mother he gave me his name non the less. My mother and I were given coin, cattle and and a small piece of land on the ross of Mull.It was from there that I spied my first dragon boat a 60 ore war ship travelling south with a fearsome surpents head and men and even horses deep inside it's belly I watched for a while listening to the pounding beat of its hart then ran to tell my mother who laughed out load at my story but then a fearful look came over her face almost as if a dark cloud had shadowed her from above.Later that day my father had come to visit, he had been forced to marry and I had herd that she too had been with child but he still came to see my mother when he could under the guize of a hunting trip or an elders meeting on this perticular ocation he actually was on his way back from such a meeting aparently war ships had been raiding in the Isles wich was not unheard of but this was different I didn't hear the rest of the conversation but when my mother told him about the ship he came over put his hand on my shoulder and gave the task of watchman at the age of 6.If a war ship was seen in the firth I was to light the torch to give warning. I was proud to serve my father and over the years lit the tourch many times so that my farther would be prepared for war by the time they landed and those that were looking to rob murchent ships often only took a few cattle as no ship was permitted to leave the main land until they had gone.The ships came and traded furs and storys for food and usgig around a warm fire. By the time I was 16 I was filling my father's coffers with taxes If you wanted to take your wares or livestock to market you had to pay my father for protection I told them it was protection from the Norse men but I suspect that it was really protection from my father who took umbrig to people travelling across his land to make a profit without sharing the welth. Soon the ship masters got to know me and I learned to sail standing at the star board being too short to row.One I was returning home from a long boring watch where nothing of intrest had been seen for days from my small shack in the hills to find my mother's house burning I could see my father's men and a young man I had not seen before well dressed and riding my father's horse.My mother had warned me on her death bed that this time would oneday come, my father had passed and I was no longer safe from my Nobel born brother.I turned and ran. I joined up with the first ship master that would take me and never looked back since.Over the last 20 years I have sailed the north seas learning all I can I have made a modist fortune trading in furs and spent it, had a small war ship with 20 ores and watched it burn, took a wife who gave me 3 sons and lost her to another man. Now down on my luck I fight with a band of murcenreys hoping that today's the day my luck will change.

​Lady Amber, Wuffa's Mystical Songstress, known as a Skald in Viking times.Ambers 'Shepherdess Call' recorded at History Alive 2016 can be heard at:(Thanks to Suzi Clements of Medieval Seige Society for recording)

Harald was a strange boy who while capable of handling himself when need be, preferred to talk to the deer in the woods around West Stowe... some said he had magical powers as he had an uncanny knack of predicting trouble, he also was thought to heal the sick... all of this he denied. A writer and bard, where he was educated is unclear, he is not keen on sun light and prefers to be out at night, cutting wood or gathering the harvest...

Brynjolf 'The Head Crusher' - who has now turned Viking raider. Brynjolf, despite being short of temper, has strong loyality and honour and protects his fellow warriors. Brynjolf weapon's of choice are Dane Axe, Bearded Axe, Two handed Axe and Sword. Despite his young age Brynjolf deeds in war are legendary. His sense of black humour is almost as legendary around the camp fire. Brynjolf enjoys Mead and Ale.